Angelfish Care Tips
Angelfish, Pterophyllum Scalare, are classified to the family Cichlidae. This family is more casually identified as cichlids. Angelfish are endemic to the Amazon River.
Cichlids have become ever more popular with freshwater aquarists since they started being exported by the aquarium trade after the conclusion of WWII. Angelfish are undoubtedly among the most popular and easily recognizable freshwater fish in the world. Their unique triangular profile makes them one of the most exotic freshwater species on the market. The selective breeding of these creatures has dramatically increased the assortment of angelfish available to the consumer. Angels come in an array of colors, from white, silver, gold and black to striped, marbled and Koi. Their abundance keeps their price exceptionally reasonable. They are a robust species that can stay alive in a multitude of environmental conditions. Angels are one of the most care free fish you can own. Their ease of care has undoubtedly contributed to their global popularity.
Appearances can be misleading. The fish available at the retail stores are not fully grown. Angels routinely grow to six inches in diameter as adults. They can be housed in a fish tank as little as 10 gallons however 20 gallons and is ideal.
Angelfish are non-aggressive. Angelfish make excellent additions to a community tank. Angels will, however, deem smaller community dwellers as a source of nutrition. Avoid keeping them with smaller varieties like rasboras, zebra danios or fancy guppies. It is also ill advisable housing them with species like barbs and tetras. These are fin nippers by nature. An angelfish’s long, flowing fins are delicious taste treat, just begging to be snacked on.
Angelfish are omnivores. Their diet should consist of both plant and animal matter. You will want to make sure to choose a fish food prepared for omnivores as their main staple. A good quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish healthy and happy. Many fish hobbyists prefer to provide an assortment of nutritional choices in addition to the main staple. Although this is not strictly mandatory, it is recommended. You might want to ask yourself; would you want to eat the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your life? A varied regimen will help to ensure optimum health. Dried seaweed sheets are a wonderful dietary supplement for omnivores. High protein supplements such as brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms make ideal dietary supplements. If you can not find them fresh, frozen and freeze-dried preparations are available commercially.
Angels inhabit the Amazon River. They are accustomed to water with a slightly acidic base. A pH factor of 6.8 and temperatures ranging between 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal environment. If maintained properly an angelfish can live in excess of 10 years.
When it comes to parenting, fish in general can be divided into two basic categories. There are those fish that will abandon their unborn eggs or even ingest them in complete disregard for nature’s mandate to prorogate the species. Then there are the fish that express varying amounts of brooding intuition. All cichlids fall to some extent in the latter category. Angelfish are commonly called open brooders. This simply means that they will prepare a flat surface like a rock or piece of wood in order to lay their eggs on. A common trait among brooders is that they will guard over their unborn offspring until they hatch. Typically the male adopts the role as the protector by standing guard while the female becomes the eggs’ caregiver. Once they are hatched, both parents will take an active role in tending the newborn.
Keeping a specific fish in a fish tank that is not large enough could have catastrophic results. A savvy aquarist wouldn’t think about attempting to keep an angel nano fish tank. To discover more fun filled facts on freshwater aquarium fish browse through my online fish guide.
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